Bulgarians Most Dissatisfied in Europe - Study

Beggars are as common of a site on Sofia's streets as are Christmas decorations. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Bulgaria is the only country in Europe whose people are more dissatisfied with life than satisfied.

In all other European countries the trend is the opposite, according to a study if the Agency for Social Analyses (ASA), focusing on way of life of Bulgarians in times of crisis.

ASA is an independent, non-profit making public policy oriented Think-Tank organization specialized in training and all kind of social research.

Their data shows that 96.1% of Bulgarians believe the State must do much more to prevent impoverishment of the nation while 2/3 deem their wages unfair – data comparable with the one for Slovenia and Portugal.

Job security has turned a priority during the crisis with nearly 98% of respondents preferring a secure position over higher pay.

1/3 thinks that in a situation of limited job offers, man should be privileged in getting them.

According to the study, the majority of Bulgarian women prefer to retire at the age of 57, men – at the age of 59, the later compared with 65 for Norwegian males; 61 - for the Portuguese, and 60 – for the French.

15.7% of Bulgarians fell pray of an attack or robbery in the last 5 years, but this is lower than Switzerland (16.5%), Norway (18.7%), and Belgium (21.7%). However, nearly 33% of Bulgarians fear they could become victims of an attack, compared to 12% for the Swiss; 24% for the Belgians and only 7% for the Norwegians, which is attributed to lack of trust in Bulgarian police and judicial system.

75% of Bulgarians think police are working under political pressure and every fourth person - that they take bribes. 56% don't trust the judicial system while 85% believe that the Courts protect the rich and the powerful, not common folk. 74% are convinced the Courts are subject to political pressure, and 36% - that the magistrates are corrupt.

88% of all respondents wish for much harsher sentences in criminal cases.

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